eliminate background

[PKPrague]

New to this, can someone tell me the best way to eliminate the background of a photo? I want to see only the people, and have a black backgound. I have tried the magic wand, but this is difficult to get all the subject in, in fact, cant get it the way I would like it. IS there another tool to use?I try the wand, select inverese then layer via copy...but the wand is too tough.....anyone?

 

[gizmo2071]

Practice.
I, personally, would use the lasso and go around the subject, slight feathering and alot of patience if it's a busy background.

 

[aMac]

Assuming you're using Photoshop, the best tool for the job if you're cutting out by hand is the paths tool. If you've not used it before, it can take a little getting used to drawing the curves with points, but it gives the ultimate control as far as getting a nice edge goes.

Here's a few tutorials:

http://ryanesaki.com/blog/2007/01/20/photoshop-tutorial-how-to-create-a-perfect-selection-using-the-pen-tool/
http://www.melissaclifton.com/tutorial-pentool.html
http://www.melissaclifton.com/tutorial-pentool2.html